The problem is exacerbated by the belief that machismo – that peculiarly Latin American brand of misogyny – and the subjugation of women is just part of the culture. “[W]e need to acknowledge that these forms of violence come from social differences in power and from male ideologies that sustain these differences … and subordinate women,” according to sociologist Denise Paiewonsky.

This economic disparity puts women in a vulnerable position because it renders them powerless and, in an abusive situation, complicates the process of leaving. Add to that, decades of uncriminalized domestic violence, and the belief that this is simply how things are becomes ingrained.

It’s really no surprise when, as reported by Amnesty International (pdf), the agencies meant to help these women are either ill-equipped, strained, or simply do not take domestic abuse seriously. The Office of the Prosecutor General is in charge of units meant to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, but at present, there are only 15 in the country’s 31 provinces (and they are primarily stationed in urban areas).

There is also the Akin-Ryan-style “forcible rape” provision that only considers domestic violence a serious offense – punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years – when it has resulted in death or injury lasting more than 90 days. As the law stands, it determines the severity of the crime pertaining to the circumstances, such as whether it took place in the presence of children, or whether the aggressor was armed. Essentially, the punishment for the crime is determined by an assessment of the actions taken by the aggressor – not by the physical harm caused to the victim.

“[F]or many years I thought that her murder was her own fault because she was stupid for choosing him,” said Rosmary, whose mother was murdered by her father. “I was asked about what had happened, ‘why did he kill her?’ But there is no why. The question itself is wrongly constructed.”
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